Propulsion systems

The replacement for our old 4hp 4-stroke petrol outboard is a 100lb thrust Bison electric motor. It has 5 forward speeds and 3 reverse. We’ve previously put a 48lb thrust electric motor on the Caracruiser and hit around 4mph – canal speed limit – so this should easily manage cruising speed and give a bit spare if necessary.

 

 

 

 

These motors are designed to be controlled by hand directly on the back of a dingy, or perhaps, kayak. This meant that we have had to find a couple of solutions for controlling the motor speed, direction and steering remotely.

Speed & direction control

Chinese electronics from eBay control the motor speed and direction. The motor is fairly simple electronically speaking so it doesn’t take anything too complicated. The motor controller is mounted on the wall at the back of the boat. It can be seen showing ’56’, the % of power being sent to the motor.

 

 

This toggle switch controls forward, neutral and reverse for the electric motor. The dimmer switch controls the speed. This panel replaces the throttle control lever of the previous outboard motor.

 

Steering

We solved the steering issue by creating a brace that connects to the boat’s original steering arm. As the steering wheel is turned an arm in the rear deck moves in and out from the side, pushing and pulling the outboard left and right as it does so.

Using an old set of chair legs, some brackets, nuts and bolts we crafted a brace that connects to the electric outboard in 3 places. This is to provide a decent grip and to provide a connection for the ball that slots into the socket of the steering arm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Motor voltage is shown on the red voltmeter on the right of the dashboard